Driving changes in accounting packages

By Keith Fenner for Sage Enterprise
Johannesburg, 17 Oct 2007

ERP solutions have become institutions in their own right in many large organisations - addressing comprehensive accounting and financial intelligence needs.

While their integration typically includes aspects of CRM, business intelligence, accounts, warehousing, service management and manufacturing, there are two main areas that developers, solutions providers and clients will have to consider going forward.

The first of these is definitely the Internet. The world is moving rapidly into a Web-based environment, with a standard requirement being access anywhere at anytime on any device. Data thus needs to become fully portable in terms of 3G and wireless data networks, with devices like PDAs able to afford intelligent functionality. To deliver a truly Web-based application therefore, the bandwidth pull should be low enough to operate the software effectively. This is proving to be a key challenge for many developers.

At Softline ACCPAC, we`re using our CRM solution to deliver access in this manner, as CRM provides the top layer of information for any organisation. By integrating functional ERP areas into CRM, it becomes a simple task for ACCPAC to deliver sales, marketing, accounts, service and customer care data to a mobile device.

By adding rich CRM flavours to this, such as workflow, alerts, escalation and notifications, a fully mobile solution is within reach at low cost with a proportionally low total cost of ownership (TCO). This is something affecting all software development in a very real way.

The second area driving development is definitely that of future technologies - making sure that products are designed with these in mind so as to ensure their lifespan. Ajax seems to be a leader in Web-based technology; making Web pages feel more responsive by exchanging small amounts of data with the server behind the scenes, so that the entire Web page does not have to be reloaded each time the user requests a change.

This is a concept that would have tremendous value in an accounting and accounting software context, increasing the Web page`s interactivity, speed, and usability. The business case for the innovation is also simple: the TCO is low as there are no workstation setups involved as all data resides centrally. By developing with this in mind, more applications will become available on Windows or Linux, as well as support multiple browsers like IE, Mozilla, Safari and Opera.

SOFTLINE ACCPAC

Softline ACCPAC is a global provider of business management applications, including accounting, CRM, warehouse management and HR to the mid-range market. Its solutions are delivered to 130 countries exclusively through its network of over 5 500 solution providers worldwide and 130 throughout Africa. Softline ACCPAC`s product line includes: Accpac CRM, ACCPAC ERP, Accpac Business Analysis Suite, ACCPAC Warehouse Management System, Accpac RMS and ACCPAC Insight.

SOFTLINE

Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions to small, medium and large sized companies. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the software industry and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa in February 1997. Softline expanded to establish a strong position within its area of focus in South Africa and Australia.

Focused on the development of accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions, Softline has a 16-year track record as a market leader. The group has a broad range of products offering users a variety of software solutions to run their businesses efficiently. Softline`s leading brands include Softline Accpac, Softline Enterprise, Softline Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group`s product offerings provide Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions.

In November 2003, Softline was acquired by Sage Group, an established FTSE 100 company. The group includes market-leading businesses throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium and large sized business community.

Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.

SAGE

The Sage Group, an established FTSE 100 company, is a leading supplier of accounting and business management software solutions and services to 5.2 million small and medium sized clients worldwide. With over 13 000 employees, the Sage Group comprises market-leading businesses throughout Europe, United Kingdom, North America, South Africa and Australia. Its products and services are sold through a global network of 23 000 reseller partners, 40 000 accountants as well as directly to clients from Sage companies throughout the world. For the financial year ending 30 September 2006, the group`s revenue grew by 22% to lb935.6 million and the operating profit rose by 18% to lb235.8 million.

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Driving changes in accounting packages

Keith Fenner, strategic sales director of Softline ACCPAC, says with more market consolidation, the breadth of ERP solutions available today should be complete in terms of moving towards a fully integrated platform.